San Francisco Property Tax Calculator

Published on August 27th, 2025

Joseph Gordon Editor
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Joseph Gordon is an Editor with HomeLight. He has several years of experience reporting on the commercial real estate and insurance industries.

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What is the Property Tax Rate in San Francisco?

Based on HomeLight’s analysis of publicly available data, the average effective property tax rate for a primary residence in San Francisco is approximately 0.68% of its estimated value. This is lower than the national average of 0.90%.

For example, with a 0.68% effective tax rate, a homeowner with a $1,380,500 home might pay around $9,387 in annual property taxes.

An effective property tax rate represents the actual percentage of a property’s market value that a homeowner pays in taxes, considering the assessed value and any exemptions or deductions.

Note: HomeLight’s San Francisco property tax calculator provides a ballpark estimate for a primary residence using average rates. Your tax can vary based on location and the specific taxing districts (e.g., schools, fire districts, and libraries) that apply to your parcel. For a precise number, contact the San Francisco Office of the Assessor-Recorder.

Are There Property Tax Exemptions in San Francisco?

Homeowners in San Francisco may qualify for several property tax exemptions that can lower their tax bill. California offers a general homestead exemption of up to $7,000. Seniors, veterans, or disabled individuals may also qualify for additional exemptions.

When Are San Francisco Property Taxes Due?

Property taxes in San Francisco are due in two installments, on December 10 and April 10.

What Do Property Taxes Pay For in San Francisco?

Local property taxes in San Francisco pay for important local services, including:

Public schools
Police, fire, and EMS services
Roads, streets, and traffic signals
Parks, libraries, and community centers
City and county government operations
Infrastructure like water, sewer, and trash services
Repayment of local bond projects (such as transit and school improvements)

What Does It Cost to Buy a Home in San Francisco?

How Much House Can You Afford?

Affordability in San Francisco depends on your income, debt, credit score, and mortgage rate. With a median household income of around $125,456 in San Francisco, a buyer might afford a home in the $415,000-$422,000 range using standard debt-to-income guidelines. However, with the San Francisco median home price exceeding $1,380,500, many buyers need dual incomes or additional savings to qualify.

Use HomeLight’s Home Affordability Calculator to estimate your budget based on your income, debts, and current rates.

What Down Payment Will You Need in San Francisco?

According to ATTOM, the average down payment on a house in San Francisco is 23.3%. However, down payment amounts vary widely depending on loan type and credit score. While 20% used to be the expected standard, many buyers put down between 5% and 15%, with 3% options available for FHA and some conventional first-time buyer loans.

For a $1,380,500 home, here’s what your down payment could look like:

3% down = $41,415
5% down = $69,025
10% down = $138,050
15% down = $207,075
20% down = $276,100

Try HomeLight’s Down Payment Calculator to see how different down payments affect your monthly payment and loan size.

How Much Are Closing Costs in San Francisco?

Buyers in San Francisco can expect to pay about 2% to 5% of the purchase price in closing costs. These may include:

Loan origination and underwriting fees
Title insurance and escrow fees
Appraisal and inspection costs
Prepaid property taxes and homeowners’ insurance
Filing and recording fees

For a $1,380,500 home, that means estimated closing costs of $27,610 to $69,025. Use HomeLight’s Closing Costs Calculator for a personalized estimate based on your expected San Francisco home purchase price.

How To Find a Trusted San Francisco Real Estate Agent

An experienced San Francisco agent can help you understand local tax rates, school districts, and development trends — and guide you toward neighborhoods that fit your lifestyle and budget.

HomeLight’s free Agent Match tool uses data from over 27 million transactions and thousands of verified reviews to match you with top San Francisco agents based on real performance, not paid ads.

Tell us a little about your buying plans and get matched today with no obligation.

Additional resources when searching for a trusted buyer’s agent in San Francisco:

Buying and Selling? Consider “Buy Before You Sell”

If you’re buying a new home in San Francisco but need to sell your current property first, HomeLight’s Buy Before You Sell program can simplify the entire process. This modern solution helps you unlock equity from your current home so you can make a non-contingent offer on your new home — and only move once. Watch the short video below to see how it works.

At HomeLight, our vision is a world where every real estate transaction is simple, certain, and satisfying. Therefore, we promote strict editorial integrity in each of our posts.